And for more than 21 years, the chief executive officer of the region’s favourite charity, the Westpac rescue helicopter service, has been enjoying his work.

Mr Jones, 55, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day honours list, one of 18 other Hunter residents who have been honoured.

They include judges, community workers and business people.

“I’m proud for my family and I’m proud for the organisation. I’m humbled, embarrassed and a little bit bewildered,’’ Mr Jones said.

“I’ve always thought they were for people who dedicated their lives to volunteering, for giving their time to the community.

“I get paid for what I do. Yes, I might do a little bit more.

“But it’s because it is fun being involved, the community work and community days are just brilliant.’’

Born and bred in Newcastle before four years in Waverly College in Sydney, Mr Jones played four seasons for the St George rugby league club before returning to take South Newcastle to four straight grand finals in the 1980s, winning two of them.

He started as general manager of the helicopter service in November, 1995 and has been the unofficial face of it ever since.

Spending countless weekends at events across the region and beyond, Mr Jones said his time on the footy field instilled the importance of teamwork.

“I can’t fly them and I can’t fix them but I have bloody good people who can,’’ he said.

“The service has a proud history, and it is probably in some way because unfortunately it is so broad in its catch.

“It has affected so many people in so many different ways.

“Be it a car accident or a little child needing transport, we are in every walk of life every day.

“There is a significant responsibility and we have never taken it lightly.’’

Along with the rescue helicopter position, Mr Jones was also being recognised because of his years as a board member on Books In Homes, a literacy program for remote Aboriginal communities.

He also served NSW Country rugby league as a player and coach and was named country player of the year in 1991.

Together with his wife and children, Mr Jones said his late parents would also be proud of the medal.

“If they were still here, my mum would be really proud, immensely proud, and dad would say “can you drink a beer out of it’’,’’ he said.